Multi-catheter insertion device and method

Abstract

An implantable shunt device having a primary catheter and at least two secondary catheters extending from the primary catheter is provided. The primary catheter includes a connecting end, an open end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween. Each of the secondary catheters extend from the connecting end of the primary catheter and include a fluid passageway formed therein in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the primary catheter. Each secondary catheter also includes at least one fluid entry port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid entry ports are disposed on an inwardly facing portion of each of the secondary catheters. The shunt device can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including for the removal or introduction of fluid to a treatment site.

1. An implantable shunt device, comprising:
 a primary catheter having a connecting end, an open end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween; and  
 a plurality of secondary catheters coupled to one another and extending from the connecting end of the primary catheter, each secondary catheter having a fluid passageway formed therein in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the primary catheter, and at least one inwardly facing fluid entry port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and outwardly facing surfaces being port-free.  
 
   
   
     2. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of secondary catheters have a combined nominal outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than an outer diameter of the primary catheter. 
   
   
     3. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting end of the primary catheter includes an end cap having a plurality of bores extending into the inner lumen, each bore being adapted to receive a secondary catheter. 
   
   
     4. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of secondary catheters are formed integrally with the primary catheter. 
   
   
     5. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of secondary catheters are intertwined. 
   
   
     6. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one support bracket disposed between each of the plurality of secondary catheters for securing the secondary catheters to each other. 
   
   
     7. The implantable shunt device of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one support bracket is formed from a biologically absorbable material. 
   
   
     8. The implantable shunt device of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one support bracket is adapted to position the secondary catheters at a distance apart from each other. 
   
   
     9. The implantable shunt device of  claim 8 , wherein the connecting end of the primary catheter includes a self-sealing valve adapted to receive a rigid stylet, the self-sealing valve being disposed between the inner lumen of the primary catheter and a region external to the inner lumen of the primary catheter. 
   
   
     10. The implantable shunt device of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one support bracket includes a central bore extending therethrough and adapted to receive the rigid stylet. 
   
   
     11. The implantable shunt device of  claim 9 , further comprising a rigid stylet removably disposed through the inner lumen of the primary catheter, the self-sealing valve in the connecting end of the primary catheter, between the plurality of secondary catheters, and through the at least one support bracket. 
   
   
     12. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of secondary catheters includes a proximal end mated to the connecting end of the primary catheter, and a sealed distal end. 
   
   
     13. The implantable shunt device of  claim 12 , further comprising a distal cap disposed around the distal end of each of the plurality of secondary catheters. 
   
   
     14. The implantable shunt device of  claim 1 , wherein the primary catheter and the plurality of secondary catheters are formed from a flexible material. 
   
   
     15. An implantable catheter, comprising:
 a primary catheter having an inner lumen extending therethrough;  
 a plurality of secondary catheters extending from the primary catheter and coupled to one another at a plurality of distinct locations such that the plurality of secondary catheters are maintained at a fixed distance apart from one another at a plurality of distinct locations along a length thereof, each secondary catheter including at least one inlet port formed therein and extending into an inner lumen extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the inner lumen in the primary catheter.  
 
   
   
     16. The implantable catheter of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one inlet port formed on the plurality of secondary catheters are formed on an inwardly facing surface of the secondary catheters such that the inlet ports are in facing relationship with one another. 
   
   
     17. The implantable catheter of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of support brackets mated to the plurality of secondary catheters for maintaining the catheters at a fixed distance apart from one another at a plurality of distinct locations along the length of the secondary catheters. 
   
   
     18. The implantable catheter of  claim 15 , further comprising a rigid stylet extending through the inner lumen formed in the primary catheter and extending between each of the plurality of secondary catheters.